Updated 17 May 2014

WIRKSWORTH Parish Records 1600-1900

LOCAL HISTORIES

Here are Local Histories and Descriptions from some old Sources.
"Bagshaw", "Lewis", "Glover", "White" and "Woolley" were typed out and
e-mailed by Sonia Addis-Smith of Bedford,
thanks a lot Sonia for doing the hard work

SOURCES

"BAGSHAW"
From "History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire", by Samuel
Bagshaw, 1846,(Ashbourn Parish)

"LEWIS"
From "A Topographical Dictionary of England", by Samuel Lewis
7th Edition, in Four Volumes, 1848

"GLOVER"
From: "History and Gazetteer of the County of Derby", by Stephen Glover,
Vol 2, published in Derby by Henry Mozley & Son, 1829-33

"WHITE"
From "History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby", by
Francis White, 1857, (Ashbourn Parish)"

"WOOLLEY"
From William Wooley's "History of Derbyshire 1715", edited by Catherine
Glover and Philip Riden, published by Derbyshire Record Society, Vol VI, 1981

ALDERWASLEY

From: "The Beauties of England and Wales", by John Britton and Edward
Wedlake Brayley, Vol 3, 1802, Cumberland, Isle of Man and Derbyshire,
pp.526-30:-

The manor of ALDERWASLEY was granted, together with Ashley Hay, and
part of Crich-Chase, to Anthony LOWE, Esq, by Henry the Eighth.
Francis HURT, Esq, the present possessor, has a pleasant mansion-house
here. The village is a chapelry to Wirksworth, and contains about
sixty houses.

(from Lewis, 1848, Vol 1, p.30)ALDERWASLEY. A chapelry, in the parish of Wirksworth, union of Belper,
hundred of Appletree, southern division of the county of Derby, 2 1/4 miles
east-by-south from Wirksworth; containing 398 inhabitants [in 1848].
The manor anciently belonged to the FERRERS family, and was afterwards
annexed to the Earldom and Duchy of Lancaster. The LE FOUNE or FAWNE family
held lands here in the reign of Henry III, and their heiress intermarried
with the LOWES, who obtained a grant of the manor from Henry VIII.
The HURT family afterwards became possessed of the manor, through an
heiress of the LOWES. The township comprises 3,054 acres, of which 32 are
common or waste. There are iron-works and furnaces for smelting lead-ore
in the neighbourhood. The chapel belongs to F. HURT, Esq, who appoints
the chaplain.
(Back to the MENU)(from Glover, vol 2, 1833, pp.3-9)ALDERWASLEY. 2 miles east of Wirksworth, 3 miles south of Cromford,
6 miles north of Belper, and 14 miles north of Derby. It is a scattered
village, township and chapelry, in the parish of Wirksworth, deanery of
Ashbourn and hundred of Appletree, containing 80 houses, and 454 inhabitants
[c.1830]. 62 families are employed in agriculture, 17 in trade, and one
independent. There is an iron forge, conducted by Messrs MOLD & Co., and
a corn mill. There are 3,024 acres of gritstone land in this township, of
various qualities, 700 acres of which is wood land. The average rental is
17 shillings per acre, and the estimated annual value of the buildings and
land amount to 2,775 pounds and 11 shillings. There are 5 freeholders who
own about 237 acres, the remainder is the property of Francis HURT, esq.
The tithes belong to the Dean of Lincoln, who has leased them to
G.H. Errington, esq, the latter gentleman re-lets them to Mr HURT.
The average poor rates and other parochial expenses for the last 9 years
are 239 pounds 19 shillings and 10 pence. Mr HURT holds a court annually.
The steward of the court is Charles CLARKE, esq, of Derby. A decree in
chancery was obtained, 19 Elizabeth [1577], by William BLACKWALL, of
Steeple, county of Derby, gent, John STORER, and Richard WINGFIELD, of
Alderwasley, copyholders of the manor, for themselves and others, against
Edward LOWE, esq. In consequence of which decree, the lords of this manor
are not entitled to heriots [money paid to the lord by a tenant on the death
of his father, for admittance to the estate], nor more than one year's
approved rent on admittance of a customary tenant by descent or purchase.
There are two Sunday schools; one is supported by Mrs HURT, the other by
Miss WATKINSON, of the Forge. The Wesleyan Methodists have a chapel here.
Alderwasley and Ashleyhay form a joint constabulary. From Alport hill
and Alport stone, near the village of Spout, it is said the Wrekin, in
Shropshire, may be seen on a clear day.
(Back to the MENU)The HALL is a handsome and substantial built stone mansion, situate on
rising ground on the west bank of the river Derwent, surrounded by hanging
woods that crown the neighbouring hills. A deer park and rich lawn,
adorned with venerable oaks, spread before the mansion and affords many
beautiful landscapes. The gardens are well stored with excellent vineries,
pineries, &c. The timber on this estate is considered equal to any in the
kingdom; and trees of great magnitude have been felled. For many years
past Mr HURT has regularly cut down timber producing upwards of 2,000 pounds
per annum.
(Back to the MENU)The CHAPEL is situate near the hall, and was built in the reign of
Henry VIII [1509-47], by the contribution of Thomas LOWE, esq, and other
principal inhabitants. It is not subject to ecclesiastical jurisdiction,
and has no parochial duties performed in it, nor any endowment. The
minister is paid an optional salary by Mr HURT, who has the appointment.
The Rev Emanuel HALTON is the present incumbent. Over the door of the
chapel, in a recess, is the following shield of arms in alabaster
[expressed in the French/English mix of heraldic language]: Quarterly,
1 and 4, for LOWE: gule, a wolf passant, argent. 2 for FAWNE: argent,
a bugle, sable, between 3 crescents of the last, charged with a besant.
CREST: a wolf's head, erased [cut off at the neck].
(Back to the MENU)At the VISITATION ordered by the Herald's Office, in the reign of
Elizabeth, AD 1569, and taken by the commissioners, FLOWER and GLOVER, we
find that the Pedigree of the HURT family, then of Ashbourn, viz four
generations, was entered by Thomas HURT, gent, of that place. This family
then appear to have ranked among the chief gentry of Derbyshire, and have
ever since continued to do so. The elder branch was long seated at
Ashbourn. It terminated about the close of the 17th century by the marriage
of the heiress with a BYROM. The younger branches have greatly increased
their wealth and alliances by marriage in families of rank and opulence.
The present Francis HURT, esq, of Alderwasley, and his ancestors during
several generations, for about 180 years, have been resident on that manor.
This gentleman was high-sheriff in 1814, and several of his predecessors
have enjoyed that honourable office. Francis HURT, esq, is a Justice of
the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant of the County.
(Back to the MENU)[Glover has included a three page quotation from "BLORE's sheet of
Alderwasley, 1797", giving a detailed genealogical descent of the manor
through generations of the families of LOWE, LE FOWNE (or FAWNE) and HURT.
There are also two drop-line pedigrees]:

1. Blore's Pedigree of FOWNE or FAWNE, a fairly brief 9 generations.
2. Glover's own "Pedigree of HURT of Ashbourn, Alderwasley, Wirksworth,
&c", which is a more substantial pedigree, covering about 17 generations.]
(Back to the MENU)

(from Woolley's Derbyshire, c.1715, DRS, 1981, No.99, p.135)ALDERWASLEE lies about the north-east corner of this hundred [Appletree],
on the banks of Derwent in a rough, hilly country much like the Peake,
a mile above Belper and about six from Derby. It consists of a village
and in many scattering houses about Belper Ward in Duffield Forest. It is
in the parish of Wirksworth. It was part of the FERRER's estate so
25 Edward I [1297] came into the Duchy of Lancaster. I find one John
de ARRAS Sheriff in the time of Edward I for five years. Anno 31 Henry VIII
[1539/40], Ralph SACHEVERELL had lands here which he left to his son Henry,
held under LOW, in which family of the LOWES it continued long but John LOW
died lately without issue male and his daughter and heiress married Charles
HURT, whose son Charles HURT esq now enjoys it and has a good old seat here
with a small park. There are two or three younger branches of this family
of LOWS left at Hazlewood and Derby. They give distinct arms from the Derby
family (viz) Gules, a wolf passant, Argent. The HURT's arms are: a Fesse
between three cinquefoils, Or, a hart proper, horned Or, wounded with an
arrow in flaunch, Or.
(Back to the MENU)

ASHLEYHAY

(from Lewis, 1848, Vol 1, p.89)ASHLEY-HAY. A township, in the union of Belper, parish of Wirksworth,
hundred of Appletree, southern division of the county of Derby, 1 3/4 miles
south from Wirksworth; containing 272 inhabitants [in 1848]. The road
from Wirksworth to Derby passes here.
(Back to the MENU)(from Glover, vol 2, 1833, p.50)ASHLEYHAY.A village and township in the parish of Wirksworth,
constabulary of Alderwasley and hundred of Appletree, 1 1/2 miles south-east
from Wirksworth. It contains 52 houses, 52 families and 223 inhabitants
[c.1830], chiefly employed in agriculture. This township is well watered by
the river Ecclesbourne and numerous springs. It consists of 1,400 acres
2 rods & 9 perches of gritstone land, divided among 39 FREEHOLDERS of
ASHLEYHAY, the principal of whom are [c.1830]:
(Back to the MENU)- Malveysin CHADWICK, esq
- Mr Samuel DEAN
- Francis HURT, esq
- Mr Richard LONGDON
- Mr William MALIN
- Mr William PIDCOCK
- Mr Richard SPENCER
- Mr John and Mr Thomas SPENDLOVE
- G.B. STRUTT, esq
- Mr Joseph TAYLOR
- Mr William TIPPER
- Miss TOPLIS
- Rev Richard WHINFIELD, in right of the vicarage of Heanor
- Mr John WOLLEY
- Mr Philip YEOMANS
(Back to the MENU)About one fourth of the land is arable, the other three fourths meadow
and pasture. The estimated annual value of the buildings and land is
1,533 pounds; the average of 7 years' poor, church, constable and county
rates is 210 pounds per annum. The highways are done by statute duty.
The tithes are the property of the Dean of Lincoln. G.H. ERRINGTON, esq,
is the lessee, who re-lets them to Francis HURT, esq. There is a Wesleyan
Methodist chapel in this village. This township is part of the manor of
Alderwasley, and Francis HURT, esq, is lord. There is considerable copyhold
property within this manor, and which is held of the lord at an uncertain
fine [rent]. James MILNES, esq, of Matlock, is the steward.
(Back to the MENU)

(from Woolley's Derbyshire, c.1715, DRS 1981, No.100, pp.135-6)ASHLEY HAY - another scattering liberty reaching from Alderwas Lee
almost to Wirksworth. A hilly, open country of the nature of the Peake,
with stone walls instead of hedges; in Wirksworth parish it was and now is
mostly in the family of the GELLS of Hopton and of the LOWS of Alderwaslee
- now HURTS. A younger brother of the same family has a pretty good seat
on the hillside over against .... [blank], eastward. It is taxed with
Alderwaslee 142 pounds, 11 shillings and 11 pence.
(Back to the MENU)

BIGGIN

Confusingly,
there are two Biggins in Derbyshire:
OS ref: SK 260-485, in the parish of Biggin, 6 km SSW of Wirksworth.
It has Biggin Mill, Biggin Old Hall, Nether Biggin, Upper Biggin,
Biggin House, The Grange, and borders Hulland Ward.
See Geograph photos,
Wikipedia,
and Google Earth (paste 53.033795 -1.614498).

The Biggin within the Wirksworth Area is SK 260-485,
but note that it is not
within Wirksworth parish, nor ever has been.....

(from Lewis, 1848, Vol 1, p.238)A township, in the parish of Wirksworth, hundred of Appletree,
southern division of the county of Derby, 5 1/2 miles east-by-north from
Ashbourn; containing 149 inhabitants [in 1848]. Here was formerly a
church or chapel, not even the site of which is now known. The township
was once considered to be in the parish of Kniveton, but it has been deemed
for nearly four centuries part of Wirksworth.
(Back to the MENU)(from Glover, vol 2, 1833, p.108)BIGGIN. A small rural village and township in the parish of Wirksworth,
and hundred of Appletree. It forms a joint constabulary with Hulland,
Hulland Ward, Hulland Ward intakes, and Ideridgehay. In 1831 this village
contained 30 houses, 31 families, and 162 inhabitants, who were chiefly
employed in agriculture. The township consists of 586 acres of land, on a
clay substratum; viz 176 acres arable, 4 1/2 acres of wood, 188 acres of
meadow and 217 1/2 acres of pasture, divided between 5 resident and 11
non-resident freeholders, 7 resident and 15 non-resident copyholders. The
land is watered by Sherburne brook and a strong spring, the water of which
is similar to that of Kedleston well. The tithes are taken by composition,
at an annual fixed rate. The average rental is about 23 shillings per acre.
The estimated annual value of all the land and buildings is 724 pounds and
7 shillings. The average of 7 years of parochial expenses is 136 pounds
8 shillings and 10 pence per annum. It is parcel of the manor and fee of
Duffield, where courts leet are held by the lord of the manor, Sir Richard
Paul JODRELL, baronet.
(Back to the MENU)There was anciently a chapel at Biggin, or as it was called New Biggin,
which was esteemed to be in the parish of Kniveton, as appears by an old
grant of a chantry in this chapel, to Sir Robert de ESSEBOURN. It has
for four centuries been deemed part of the parish of Wirksworth.
(Back to the MENU)Note: there is also Biggin in Tibshelf parish, and Biggin in
Hartington parish.

The following refers to the Biggin at SK 155-594:

BIGGIN
Even though it is well over 1,000 ft above sea level, the quiet limestone
village of Biggin can only be entered by gentle descent from all sides, as
it spreads unevenly over a shallow saucer.

Lying mid-way between Ashbourne and Buxton, just off the A515, Biggin was
first mentioned in 1223. Then called Newbiggin, it consisted of a grange
with several small farms, owned by Garendon Abbey and farmed by monks of the
Cistercian order. It flourished for a number of years, but all that is left
of that time is a small part of the original buildings at Biggin Grange.

The church, dedicated to St Thomas, was consecrated in 1848 and built of
limestone acquired from a nearby field on The Liffs road. On the Sunday
nearest to the l2th September the annual Wakes was kept, with special church
services, and on the Monday, led by a band and carrying a banner, the Loyal
Order of Ancient Shepherds would parade the village, ending at the Waterloo
inn for the traditional roast beef and plum pudding. The school would close
at mid-day, but `Wakes' are no more in Biggin. Another custom lost is the
locking-out of the teachers. On Shrove Tuesday, the older boys would arrive
at school early and tie the doors. When the teachers arrived, the children
would chant: `Pancake Day is a jolly day, If you don't give us a holiday,
We'll all run away'. The teachers would then pretend to be angry, but when
the doors were opened, prayers said and register taken, the school would
close for the day.

The Newhaven House Hotel was the last public house in England to have a
perpetual licence. King George IV was so impressed by the warmth and
hospitality of the then landlord, when he stayed there on his journey north,
that he granted the licence, which applied until a few years ago when it
closed for repair.

The Newhaven Fair was held on the 20th October and was not only a pleasure
and market fair but also a hiring-fair. If you wished to employ or be
employed, you would attend and strike a bargain for a year's work. In 1900,
as an eleven year old, one villager's father was taken as a farm servant for
25 shillings per year, with one half-day off each month.

Visitors to Biggin, many of whom are walkers from the nearby Tissington
Trail, often call at `Pollies Cafe & General Store', owned and run by Mrs
Webster (Pollie), now in her eighties, who is a native of Biggin. The little
shop is a far cry from a city supermarket, but here you will find large jars
of her homemade jams and pickles, free range eggs, fresh grown vegetables,
complete with soil from her garden, alongside cakes and canned foods. If you
are hungry, she will make you a mixed grill or a plate of fresh sandwiches
and a lovely pot of tea, all while chatting to you about a wide range of
subjects. Maybe she will tell you of the day when Biggin had a smithy, a
wheelwrights and a bone-mill, or how the steep hill on the Grange Lane came
to be called `Dampy's Pinch'. If you are interested in ghost stories, she
will tell you of the Victorian gentleman who walks down Main Street, in the
moonlight, only to vanish into thin air near Biggin Hall gates.

BONSALL

(from Lewis, 1848, Vol 1, p.302)BONSALL (St James). A parish in the hundred of Wirksworth, southern
division of the county of Derby, 3 1/2 miles north-by- west from Wirksworth;
containing 1,496 inhabitants [in 1848]. This parish, anciently called
Bonteshall, comprises by computation 2,338 acres. The village was formerly
a market-town, and is situated in a district strikingly diversified with
hills and dales. Among the latter, the most interesting is Bonsall Dale,
of which the geological formation consists of four strata of limestone and
three of toadstone. The neighbouring hills also abound with limestone;
and lead-ore and lapis calaminaris are obtained in great quantities
within the parish, and prepared on the spot, affording employment to many
of the inhabitants. The village consists of numerous houses scattered over
a considerable portion of ground; in the centre is the ancient market-cross,
bearing date 1687, and consisting of a pillar, resting upon a base to which
is an ascent of fifteen steps, and surmounted by a ball. The manufacture
of combs is carried on to a moderate extent. About a third of the population
is employed at stocking and drawer frames, and there is a saw-mill for
cutting the white semi-marble Hopton stone. The living is a Rectory,
valued in the King's books at 9 pounds 16 shillings & a halfpenny; net
income 201 pounds; patron, the bishop of Lichfield. There are 67 acres
of glebe, with a house. The church is a handsome and picturesque old
structure, with some good pointed windows remaining, and a tower surmounted
by an elegant octangular spire; the interior is adorned with a variety of
neatly executed monuments. There is a place of worship for General Baptists;
and a school is endowed with 100 pounds per annum, arising from tenements
bequeathed by William CRAGGE and his wife Elizabeth in 1704, and lands by
Elizabeth TURNOR in 1763. Vestiges of a Roman road may be traced.
(Back to the MENU)(from Glover, vol 2, 1833, pp.127-9]BONSALL. A village, township, constabulary and parish, situate in a
romantic valley, amidst abrupt limestone rocks, and watered by a beautiful
trout stream, 1 1/2 miles west of Cromford, and 3 miles north-west of
Wirksworth, in the hundred of Wirksworth and deanery of Ashbourn.

The township includes the little village of Brightgate and Slaley, and
contained, in 1821, 302 houses, 326 families, and 1,396 inhabitants. Of
the 326 families, 49 were chiefly employed in agriculture, 241 in trade
and handicraft, and 36 variously. The trade carried on here is smelting
of lead, framework- knitting, lace-running, manufacturing colours, combs,
&c. Framework-knitters (of which there are 50), mining, and the Cromford
cotton-mills, employ the majority of the labouring class.
(Back to the MENU)The township consists of 2,384 acres of limestone land, including
1,203 acres 1 rod & 8 perches newly enclosed, by Acts of Parliament
obtained in 1774 and 1776, divided among about 150 copyholders. The land,
which is principally meadow and pasture, is divided into small farms, at
an average rental of 2 pounds an acre. The average of 7 years parochial
expenses is 524 pounds 13 shillings; this includes the poor and county-rate,
constable's accounts, &c. The church-rate averages about 50 pounds per
annum. The highways are assessed separately. There is no work-house,
consequently the paupers are sent to Alstonfield, in Staffordshire.
The pauper children are seldom apprenticed out. The copyholders pay the
rector 100 pounds per annum in lieu of tithes.
(Back to the MENU)Besides the endowed free-school, there are Sunday-schools at the church
and Baptist chapel, supported by voluntary contributions. There are
3 Friendly Societies, consisting of 240 members, and 6 victuallers in the
township.

In 25 Edward I [1297], Edward Earl of Lancaster held the manor;
he died in 1296, seised of the manor of Upper Bonsall, formerly belonging
to the crown, and Nether Bonsall, which had been parcel of the honour of
Tutbury. These manors became united, and continued annexed to the Earldom
and Duchy of Lancaster until 1630, when Charles I granted them to Charles
HARBOD, esq, and others, reserving a fee-farm rent. In 1632 they were sold
to Henry, Earl of Dover; and in 1633 he sold his interest in them to the
COPYHOLDERS, subject to the same fee-farm rent.
(Back to the MENU)- In 10 Henry VIII [1518], Thomas BABINGTON died, and left an estate
in Bonsall to his son Anthony.

- In 19 Henry VIII [1527], Francis LEECH died, and left his son
Francis an estate; then in 4 Edward VI [1550], Ralf LEECH died, and left
the same to his 3 daughters, Joan, Elizabeth and Margaret.

- In 18 Henry VIII [1526], Roger FOLJAMBE, esq, died, and left his
estate here to his son Godfrey; the said Godfrey dying, 5 Edward VI [1551],
left the same to his son Godfrey.

- Sir William CAVENDISH, knt, left an estate here to his son Henry.

- Sir Henry SACHEVERELL left an estate here to his son John.

- In 10 Elizabeth [1568], Richard BLACKWALL, esq, died, and left to
his son William an estate at Bonsall.

- The family of HOPKINSON had a considerable freehold and copyhold
estate in this parish, as early as the reign of Henry V [1413-1422].
They became extinct at the latter end of the 17th century.

- The FERNES were also a family of name and substance here.
Robert FERNE, esq, who built the school-house, with a dwelling-house for
the master, in 1718, was ancestor of Henry FERNE, esq, Receiver General of
the Customs; the latter possessed considerable property in this parish,
and also the largest share of the manor, which descended to his daughter
and co-heir, Elizabeth, the wife of Edmund TURNOR, esq, of Stoke Rochford,
in the county of Lincoln. Isabel TURNOR, their daughter, married Major
General Alexander DURY (killed at the siege of St Cas, in 1758) and it
is now the inheritance of his son and heir, Alexander DURY, esq, of Hadley,
in the county of Middlesex.
(Back to the MENU)In 1620:
It is decreed that the FREEHOLDERS and COPYHOLDERS of Bonsall,
time out of mind, paid an ancient rent, called Weanemolle or Weanmill rent,
of 3 pounds 18 shillings and 6 pence, to his Majesty, which was not in
charge to the reeve, but in charge of his Majesty's bailiff and receiver
of his soccage rents, within the wapentake of Wirksworth. The King's
copyhold tenants in Bonsall and Slaley, claimed and allowed, by same decree,
to have for every ox-gang, common of pasture for 40 sheep; and after
the same proportion, common of pasture for all manner of cattle, on that
called:
Ball-ley, Blackemeare, Blacklow-slacke, Blacklow-tower, Breach-yate,
Cockshut-low, Cotter-slacke, Crow-stones, Ewen-slacke, Fenny-ford, Finnes,
Gorsie-dale, Grange-edge, Hember, Latter'd-way, Leys-yate, Long-tor end,
Masson-eves alias March-den, Monks-wall, Moor-butts, Shot-walls,
Smalethorn-edge, Stony-way, Stow-low, Tow-meare, Upper-dale, Wensley-side,
White-low ....and all other commons, wastes, heaths and common-ground whatsoever,
in the manor or lordship of Bonsall or elsewhere, wherein or whereupon the
said copyholders of Bonsall aforesaid and Slaley, or either of them, used
to have common, &c. The same decree regulates the steward's fees.
(Back to the MENU)In 1620, the following COPYHOLDERS of BONSALL compounded with the King's
commissioners for the confirmation of their customary estates here:-
- Francis ALCOCKE
- Edward BEASTALL
- George BEASTOWE
- Thomas BENNETT
- George BIRD
- Henry BOWNE
- William BUCKLEY
- Thomas CHATSWORTH
- William COLTON
- Roger COLUMBELL, gent
- Margery COOKE
- Robert DOWNES
- Edward ELIAT
- William ELSE
- Henry FERNE
- John GRATTON
- Anthony GREENSMITH, heirs of
- George GREENSMITH
- John HALL
- James HALL
- John HARDING
- John HARTLEY
- John HOPKINSON
- Henry HOPKINSON
- Edward HOPKINSON
- William HOPKINSON
- William LOWE
- Thomas MARPLE
- Thomas NEEDHAM
- William NEEDHAM
- John NEEDHAM
- Anthony SHAW
- Adam SIMPSON
- Richard SMITH
- John TOOKE
- Richard WIGLIE
- William WOOLLEY
- Edward WOOLLEY
(Back to the MENU)In 1625, Peter BRADSHAW, citizen and merchant taylor, of London,
devised Bontesall, otherwise Bonsall mill, which he had purchased of his
Majesty's contractors, to his 4th son, Paul.

About the latter end of the 17th century, Mr Thomas STATHAM, steward
of this manor, incurred a bill of upwards of 30 pounds, in attempting to
obtain a Charter for a market here, but did not succeed. At this time it
is probable that the stone cross and steps were erected in the town street,
in the large open place where they now stand.

The manor or royalty of Bonsall belongs to the proprietors of the
copyhold property within that manor, proportionably according to the
amount of a certain fine or copyhold rent, payable by each person for
his copyhold tenement, the whole amount of which fine or rent is about
15 pounds. The copyholders or lords of the manor being in consequence
very numerous, trustees are appointed by them for transacting the business
of the manor with greater facility, and in whose names the Courts Leet and
Courts Baron are held. James MILNES, of Matlock, esq, is the steward.
(Back to the MENU)The CHURCH stands on a hill, and is a gothic structure, with a tower,
terminated by a handsome spire, dedicated to St James. The living is a
rectory, valued in the King's books at 9 pounds 16 shillings and a halfpenny,
and yearly tenths of 19 shillings and 7 1/2 pence. The glebe land belonging
to the living is 61 acres and 1 rod, and the parishioners pay to the rector
100 pounds in lieu of tithes. The Rev Thomas Still BASNETT is the present
rector.

ARMS AND INSCRIPTIONS IN THE CHURCH:-

In the church of Bonsall, Mrs SHORE has lately erected a monument of
white marble to her father and mother, grandfather and grandmother, and
others of the EVANS family:
- In memory of Edmund EVANS, gent, of Upper Bonsall, and of Rebecca
his wife; he died 25th Dec 1746, aged 56 years. She died 10th June 1767,
aged 78 years, and were interred near this place.
- Also of Mary EVANS, their daughter, who died at Cromford bridge
29th November 1794, aged 74. and of George, their son, also of Cromford
bridge, who died 26th March 1808, aged 82. And of Anne, his wife, who
died 7th February 1815, aged 82. Also of George, their son, who died an
infant, and was interred 3rd April 1769.
- And of Henry EVANS, son of Thomas and Barbara EVANS, of Derby,
who died 27th October 1772.
- In the same place are deposited the remains of Anne SHORE, eldest
daughter of William and Mary SHORE, of Tapton grove, and granddaughter of
the above George and Ann EVANS; she died 2nd February 1799, aged 3 years
and 24 days. This promising and lamented child had so greatly endeared
herself to every individual of the domestic circle in which she passed her
short life, that her sorrowing parents would hope they may be indulged in
recording her death and their deeply felt loss. May their grief on this
occasion have been sufficiently mingled with resignation to God, without
whose permission "not a sparrow falleth to the ground."
(Back to the MENU)On a wall in the body of the church, is a beautiful white marble
monument, highly embellished, and ornamented with cherubim and fern
branches, on which are the following inscriptions:
- In memory of Henry FERNE, esq, of Snitterton in this county,
Receiver General of the Customs in the reign of King William, Queen Ann,
and George the First. He died July 12th 1703. And of his wife,
Elizabeth FERNE, youngest daughter and co-heiress of Nicholas DAYREL,
esq, of Kings Clear in the county of Southampton. She died May 7th 1723;
their issue was one son, Robert, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Isabella
and Frances.
- His eldest daughter, Elizabeth was married to Edmund TURNOR, esq,
of Stoke Rochford, in the county of Lincoln, who died December 4th 1763;
in conformity to whose last will and testament, her daughter and executrix,
Diana LANGTON, widow of B. LANGTON, esq, of Langton, in the county of
Lincoln, has caused this monument to be erected. [Arms described]
(Back to the MENU)In the chancel are two monuments to the families of LOMAS and HOBSON,
successively masters of the free-school there, with the following
inscriptions:
- Near this place lie the remains of Samuel LOMAS and Hannah,
his wife. He died 14th March 1777, aged 57 years. She died 18th August
1777, aged 50 years.
- To the memory of Robert HOBSON, 44 years master of the free-school
in this place. This tribute of respect to the best of fathers, is dedicated
by his affectionate widow and eight children. He died on the 3rd of April
1821, aged 69 years. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"

Another, of white marble: To the memory of James Hadley COX, MA,
14 years rector of this parish, of excellent and well cultivated abilities,
of a signal urbanity, with its attendant endowment of the heart of a rare
felicity, in the love and respect of friends, acquaintances and dependants.
His sisters erected this mournful monument of sisterly affection and esteem.
Obt. February 28th 1795, aged 39.
(Back to the MENU)On the north wall of the chancel is a brass plate with this inscription:
In memoriam Henrici HOPKINSON, generosi quondam Hospitii Lincolniensisin
respiriti qui ex uxore sua Dorothea (filia Anthonii ALLSOPP, de Allsopp in
le Dale, armigeri) tres filios suscepit, Anthonium, Gulielmus, et Johannem,
et obiit quarto die Decembris anno Domini, 1634.
A Barrester, a Bachelor of Arte,
A practiser that chose the better parte;
He pleaded more for just defence than gain,
That for the poore and common good took pain,
That councelled peace, for hee did plainely see
Too much decrease by suites that trivial bee;
That knewe the lawe, yet soe lov'd neighborhoode,
Noe man did know him sue, or to be sued;
He's burried here, his soule in heaven doth rest,
Without all feare, for peacemakers are blest.
Amiei amantes debentes et dolentes amores hoc momentum possuerunt.
(Back to the MENU)On the right hand of the middle aisle is a mural monument: In memory
of Elizabeth, wife of Adam SIMPSON, who died 12th January 1782, aged 55
years. Also of the above Adam SIMPSON, who died 14th October 1782, aged 65
years.

PARISH REGISTERS:
The early church registers have by some means or other disappeared.
The present register does not begin earlier, nor quite so early as 1740.

CHARITIES:
- FREE SCHOOL. William CRAGGE, and Elizabeth, his wife, by Deed of
20th December 1704, gave a house and lands in Bonsall, to two trustees, for
the purpose of bringing up and instructing such poor children as they in
their discretion should think most fit and convenient.
(Back to the MENU)- TURNOR'S CHARITY. Elizabeth TURNOR, wife of Edmund TURNOR, esq,
in 1737, gave lands to trustees, of the yearly value of 40 pounds, for the
support and maintenance of a charity-school, formerly erected at Bonsall,
by her grandfather, Robert FERNE. The trust property consists of messuages
and lands in Bonsall, Matlock and Tansley; comprising three houses,
a corn-mill, 58 acres 3 rods 26 perches of land, which now lets for 98
pounds, 19 shillings and 6 pence. The school premises, with a house and
garden, is now occupied by the school-master, who receives 7 pounds 13
shillings and 6 pence from CRAGGE's charity, and a salary of 40 pounds a
year. In respect of these emoluments, the school-master instructs 50 poor
boys and girls in writing, reading, arithmetic and the church catechism,
whom he admits as vacancies occur: 45 of the parish of Bonsall, and 5 of
the township of Wensley and Snitterton. The children are furnished with
Bibles, testaments and spelling books out of the rents; and such boys as
are educated in this school (who are desirous) are apprenticed out, with
a premium of 5 pounds. There is a surplus vested in the trustees of
upwards of 500 pounds.
(Back to the MENU) - Annuities: 2 pounds 18 shillings to the Poor.
- GISBORNE, Rev Francis: 5 pounds 10 shillings, to the Poor,
In clothing, by Will 1817, Deed 1818.

HARDINGS. At Bonsall Upper Town resides John HARDING, gent, who has
made a large fortune in trade; he is descended from Mr John HARDING,
living here in 1620. This family are famed for longevity: Mr HARDING is
above 70; Robert HARDING, his father, and grandfather, both lived to an
advanced age; the latter being the son of another Robert HARDING,
living 1698.

(from Woolley's Derbyshire, c.1715, DRS 1981, No.136, pp.204-5)BONSAL, a church town and rectory, a square steeple - charged in the
King's book 9 pounds, 16 shillings and a half penny - stands on a hill
and lies about two miles north of Wirksworth. It is a hilly, rocky soil
but has some pretty good grass ground, the Dean of Lincoln being patron
of it. In Doomsday Book it was called Buntshall and was part of the king's
land or field. 25 anno Edward I [1297] Edmund Earl of LANCASTER was
possessed hereof. 10 anno Henry VIII [1518] Thomas BABINGTON died and
left his son Anthony an estate here. 19 ditto [1527] Roger LEECH esq
died and left his son Francis an estate here. 18 ditto Roger FOLJAMBE esq
died and left his son Godfrey an estate here. Anno 4 Edward VI [1550]
Ralph LEECH died and left an estate here to John, Elizabeth and Margaret,
his daughters. 3 anno ditto [1549] Thomas AGARD died and left an estate
here to his son Francis. 5 ditto [1551] Godfrey FOLJAMB died and left an
estate here to his son Godfrey. 4 & 5 Philip and Mary [1557/8] Sir William
CAVENDISH died and left an estate here to his son Henry. 5 & 6 ditto
[1558] Sir Henry SACHEVERELL died and left an estate here to his son John.
10 Elizabeth [1567/8] Richard BLACKWALL Esq died and left an estate here
to his son William, since which the HOPKINSONS have been a family of note
and substance, as now are FERNS. It was taxed 162 pounds, 16 shillings
and 4 pence anno 1698 to the 4 shilling aid.
(Back to the MENU)

Taken from 'The Derbyshire Village Book' published by the Derbyshire
Federation of Women's Institutes & Countryside Books, 1991. ISBN 1 85306 133
6BONSAL
Set in a limestone cleft, in the shadow of Masson Hill, the village was rich
in limestone, lead, lapis-calaminaris and toadstone, so mining together with
comb and lace making provided employment for the local inhabitants. In 1844
a flourishing home framework knitters' industry was in operation and to this
day several buildings from this era can still be found - an excellent
example in The Dale has its date 1737 engraved over the door; a later one
built at Bonsall Cross had a stone chimney and was still working until after
the First World War. In later years employment was found in lead smelting at
the furnaces of Mr Alfred Allsop in Via Gellia, where there was also a
colour works, Mill Close Mine, Hollins Viyella, Masson and Lea Mills and the
various stone quarries. Many remains of lead mining can be seen around the
village in abandoned mine-shafts, hillocks and stone cairns.

The l4th century stone church dedicated to St James stands in a prominent
position overlooking the village. It has a fine tower surrounded by stone
crowns and gargoyles and surmounted by a magnificent spire. The church still
owns several acres of glebe land and benefits from the rents.
The village cross dominates the centre of the village and dates from 1628.
To the right stands the King's Head inn, dated 1677, a popular calling place
for both locals and visitors. A ghostly apparition has been seen several
times by licensees. Over the centuries many inns and drinking houses have
existed but now three serve the village, the others being the Pig of Lead
and the Barley Mow.

The records of 1857 show the village boasted a large number of farmers,
blacksmiths, butchers, joiners and miners. Several of the larger farms are
still being worked today - mostly arable and dairy farming. A shallow brook
ran through the village and every cottage in its path had a marble slab
'bridge' hence the stories of 'Marble-Arches'. The brook is still there
today and can be seen as it breaks into open ground.

A free school was founded in 1717 out of the rents left by William and
Elizabeth Cragg and with further bequests from Elizabeth Turner, for the
education of 25 boys - 20 to be from Bonsall and five from Snitterton and
Wensley villages. The boys' endowed school closed over 30 years ago and is
used as the village hall. Bonsall primary school is situated near St James'
church.

A well known village character was the late Mrs 'Dolly' Massey, who for a
considerable number of years placed a life-sized Guy Fawkes on a seat
outside her home, so lifelike that slightly inebriated customers leaving the
King's Head have been seen to stop and converse - not even noticing his
'wife' hanging from a nearby telegraph pole! This tradition is still carried
on by her daughter Mrs Eva Spencer. Dolly was also noted for her highly
amusing and controversial entries in the carnivals.
(Back to the MENU)

HULLAND WARD and Hulland Ward INTAKES

From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire, by Samuel
Bagshaw, 1846, p.344 (Ashbourn Parish)
HULLAND WARD, township and district of scattered houses, in the
Appletree Hundred, 5 miles east from Ashbourn, contains 1,405 acres of
land, 76 houses, and 355 inhabitants. This formerly comprised an
extensive, open, and partly extra-parochial district, which, at the
Enclosure, was allotted to eight parishes.

HULLAND WARD INTAKES, township and small village, in the Appletree
Hundred, 6 1/2 miles east by south from Ashbourn, contains 436 acres
of land, 9 houses, and 57 inhabitants - of whom 27 were males, and 37
females. Rateable value, 698 pounds. Thomas GROVES, Esq, is the
owner, except of 40 acres which belong to Lord SCARSDALE, and 16 acres
which belong to an ancient chapel, in which divine service is
performed every fortnight by the Rev Alfred CURZON. It was erected,
and endowed with the land, by Francis BROWN; he died in 1731, having
directed that this chapel should be annexed to Mugginton for ever,
after the death of his widow, his daughter, and her husband, Edward
ALLEN. It is a small substantial building, with a few benches, and
will hold about 30 people.
(Back to the MENU)From: A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, 7th
Edition, Vol 2, 1848, p.579
HULLAND-WARD, a township, in the parish of Ashbourn, Union of Belper,
Hundred of Appletree, southern Division of the county of Derby, 5
miles east by north from Ashbourn; containing 355 inhabitants. It
comprises 1,405 acres, and is intersected by the road between Ashbourn
and Belper. The township formerly included an extensive, open, and
partly extra-parochial, district, which, at the Enclosure, was
allotted to eight parishes.

HULLAND-WARD-INTAKES, a township, in the parish of Ashbourn, Hundred
of Appletree, southern Division of the county of Derby, 6 1/2 miles
east by south from Ashbourn; containing 57 inhabitants. It comprises
436 acres; a portion belongs to Lord SCARSDALE, and 16 acres to an
ancient chapel in which divine service is performed every fortnight.
This chapel was built, and endowed with land, by Francis BROWN, who
died in 1731, directing that it should be annexed to Mugginton for
ever, after the death of his widow and certain other elatives : it is
a small substantial building.

(Back to the MENU)From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby, by
Francis White, 1857, p.398 (Ashbourn Parish)
HULLAND WARD, township and district of scattered houses, in the
Appletree Hundred, 5 miles east from Ashbourn, contains 1,400 acres of
land, and in 1851, had 84 houses, and 369 inhabitants, of whom 202
were males, and 167 females. This formerly comprised an extensive
open, and partly extra-parochial district, which, at the Enclosure,
was allotted to eight parishes. The principal owners are Lord
SCARSDALE, and the Rev Charles EVANS.

HULLAND WARD INTAKES, a township and small village, in the Appletree
Hundred, 6 1/2 miles east by south from Ashbourn, contains 454 acres 1
rood and 39 perches of land, of which John GROVES, Esq, owns 396
acres; Lord SCARSDALE 40 acres; and 18 acres belongs to an ancient
chapel situated on land occupied by Mr George JEPSON, in Ravensdale
Park. The chapel was built and the land left for the endowment of it,
by Francis BROWN, on condition that Divine service should be held
there once a month. The occupier of the land has the power to appoint
the Minister. It is a small building capable of seating about 30
persons. The population in 1851, was 8 houses, and 44 inhabitants, of
whom 23 were males, and 21 females; rateable value, 700 pounds.
Directory: John Charles NORTON, Esq, Smith Hall; and George JEPSON,
farmer.

(Taken from 'The Derbyshire Village Book' published by the Derbyshire
Federation of Women's Institutes & Countryside Books, 1991. ISBN 1 85306 133
6)
HULLAND WARD
`Dog Lanes' - now there's an odd name! For its origins we must go back nine
centuries or so when a vast tract of land, including that on which Hulland
Ward now stands, was the Royal Duffield Forest or Frith. Here in 1372 came
John of Gaunt to hunt as did also Kings Edward I and III and King Henry IV.
And in Dog Lanes the hunting dogs of the forest were kept. Even today older
folk remember Hulland Ward as Wardgate possibly Woodgate - one of the gates
into the forest.

The old packhorse road between Manchester and London ran along the ridge
here and this was the route used by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way to
Derby in 1745.

But Hulland, or Hoillant as it was called in the Domesday Book, really began
on low lying land south of the ridge road where, in 1485, a chantry chapel
was founded by John Bradbourne and his wife Anne. The moated mound where
their manor house stood can still be seen in the meadows close to the two
remaining medieval fish ponds. It is said the house was destroyed in the
Civil War, and much of the stone used to build the `Old Hall' on higher
ground just south of the ridge road at what is now Hulland. Here also are to
be found the Primitive Methodist chapel and the newer Hulland Hall.
Christ church, in the Diocese of Derby, was built in 1837/8 and stands on
the highest point of the area. Until 1853 Hulland formed an outlying
chapelry of Ashbourne. In 1863 a school was built next to the church.
Meanwhile Hulland Ward had become the main village. It had grown up along
the ridge road about five miles east of Ashbourne and just north of Hulland.

The main occupation in the area has been mixed farming and in years gone by
several small businesses flourished. Among them were a milliner's and
draper's, a saddler, two butchers, a joiner and wheelwright, shoe repairer,
threshing machine proprietor and two blacksmiths (the last of which closed
less than 20 years ago) and, in the 1930s, Hulland Gravel Works opened.
Today there is a general store, garden shop, saddlery and post office. There
are two garages, a cabinet maker, a doctors' surgery and two public houses.
Hulland Gravel has become English China Clay and, covering a huge area, is
one of the biggest concrete works in the country. Twenty eight council
houses were built at Hulland Ward in 1950, and 15 years later a large
housing estate and modern primary school on the north side of the main road,
thus increasing the population to around 1,000.

The whole area is criss-crossed by numerous footpaths which, in the past,
were in constant use by all.
Upper and Nether Biggin, Biggin Mill and Millington Green lie to the north
of Hulland Ward and are included in the district. Here also is a network of
footpaths. In the 1940s an old lady of 90 said these paths were very
necessary in her childhood, when the narrow winding lanes were dangerous for
walking due to the heavy- laden packhorses going to and from the water mill.
This is now a private house, the weir gone and the mill pond silted up.
Biggin House at Nether Biggin was built in the reign of Queen Anne. Opposite
stood a medieval chapel attached to St Oswald's church, Ashbourne.
Many wells were in use in this area until 1953 when piped water was brought.
Two wells on higher ground gave water containing iron. Two lower down, both
in woodland, gave sulphur water. One of these was buried in a landslide
following tree felling in the Second World War. The other, still used, has
never been known to run dry or freeze. It steams in frosty weather. Tea made
from it is strong and of very good flavour so the wartime ration went a long
way.

SHOTTLE

From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire, by Samuel
Bagshaw, 1846, p.293 (Duffield Parish)(Back to the MENU)
SHOTTLE AND POSTERN form an extensive township, being in some parts 4
miles across, and contains 3601 acres of land, 93 houses, and 503
inhabitants, of whom 262 were males and 241 females. Rateable value
4,000 pounds. The soil is various; average rent 26 shillings per
acre. The Duke of DEVONSHIRE is lord of the manor and sole owner,
except 60 acres of tithe land, which belongs to John GAMBLE and
William TOPLIS. SHOTTLE GATE is a village on the Ashbourn road, 3
miles west from Belper. SHOTTLE forms the south side of the township,
and a scattered district of houses. POSTERN, a small village, 3 miles
north-west from Belper. The Methodists have a chapel on the south
side of the township, within the limits of Hazlewood, built by Mr
John SLATER in 1816, and was enlarged in 1840, and will now seat 300
persons. The General Baptists hold religious services in a
schoolroom.

(Back to the MENU)From: A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, 7th
Edition, Vol 4, 1848, p.91
SHOTTLE , with POSTERN, a township, in the parish of Duffield, Union
of Belper, Hundred of Appletree, Southern Division of the County of
Derby, 2 1/4 miles west by south from Belper; containing 503
inhabitants. These places form an extensive township, in some parts
four miles across, and comprising 3,712 acres and 39 perches, whereof
1,230 acres are arable, 2,322 pasture, 105 wood, and 55 in roads; the
soil is various. SHOTTLE is a district of scattered houses, forming
the south side of the township; SHOTTLE-GATE is a village on the
Ashbourn road, and POSTERN a small village on the road between Derby
and Wirksworth.

(Back to the MENU)From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby, by
Francis White, 1857, p.205 (Duffield Parish)
SHOTTLE AND POSTERN, a joint township and extensive agricultural
district, being in some parts four miles across, contains 3,713 acres
and 33 perches of land, of which 120 acres 2 roods and 9 perches are
in woods and plantations, rateable value 3,921 pounds 6 shillings.
The Duke of DEVONSHIRE is lord of the manor and owner of 3,668 acres 3
roods and 31 perches; John STRUTT, Esq, owns 41 acres 3 roods and 35
perches; and Mr George FROST 2 acres 1 rood and 7 perches. In 1851
it had 90 houses and 467 inhabitants, of whom 245 were males, and 222
females. SHOTTLE forms the south side of the township and a scattered
district of houses. Here is a school to which there is a small
endowment attached, and for which the Master teaches 12 poor children.
In 1824, the old school-room was converted into a dwelling for the
Master, and a new school consisting of two rooms, was erected at the
expense of the inhabitants; in which Divine service is performed
every Sunday, by the Rev James P. DEACON, incumbent of Turnditch. The
Wesleyans have a chapel on the south side of the township, erected in
1816. The General Baptists hold religious services in a room
belonging to Mr Joseph MALIN. SHOTTLE GATE, a small village on the
Ashbourn road, 3 miles west from Belper, and Shottle Gate House, a
large handsome residence, with extensive and superior outbuildings
combining all the most recent improvements in the arrangement of a
farmstead, is the property of John STRUTT, Esq, of Belper, and in the
occupation of Mr William WINSON.

(Back to the MENU)
POSTERN is a small district of scattered houses, three miles
north-west from Belper.
CHARITIES:-
- Ralph DOWLEY, in 1733 gave 40 pounds in trust, for the instruction
of poor children until the sum should be wholly expended. On the
Death of Ralph DOWLEY, his widow, Rebecca DOWLEY, paid the said
legacy; and to augment the charity, she also gave 35 pounds, in order
to have the whole laid out in land and the charity made perpetual.
And for that purpose Adam SIMPSON, in 1749, conveyed to the Trustees 7
roods of land and two beast gates upon Bonsall Leys, and the Green.
This property consists of about 5 3/4 acres, now let for 7 pounds 10
shillings per annum. Of this sum two-thirds is paid to the
Schoolmaster, and one-third by Mrs DOWLEY'S grant, is paid to a
dissenting chapel at Wirksworth. Twelve children are taught free.
- Countess of and William Earl of DEVONSHIRE'S Charities, extend to
various places, and the anual sum of 4 pounds is received by the
Overseers of this township, to be applied in apprenticing poor
children.
(Back to the MENU)
- POTTERELL'S ALMSHOUSES - See Duffield - This chapelry is
entitled to partake of the benefit of these almshouses. [Note:
reference to this Charity was not found under Duffield]

TANSLEY

From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of Derbyshire, by Samuel
Bagshaw, 1846, p.168 (Crich Parish)
TANSLEY, a township, chapelry, and village in the parish of Crich and
the Wirksworth Hundred, 1 1/2 miles east from Matlock, 5 miles
north-north-east from Crich, in the Bakewell Union, contains 1,150
acres of land, of which 5,000 [sic, 500?] are unenclosed, 111 houses,
and 549 inhabitants, of whom 267 were males, and 282 females. A
cotton mill was erected here at an early period, and here is now an
extensive smallware manufactory, and one for candlewick. This place
is noted for the extensive and thriving nursery of Mr Joseph SMITH,
and for a superior grit stone for building purposes. The Duke of
PORTLAND is lord of the manor; Heathcote UNWIN, Esq, Edward RADFORD,
Esq, Rev John WOOLLEY, and Mr Thomas SHIPLEY, are owners. A district
church was erected here in 1839, and opened for Divine worship in
1840. It is a neat stone structure with a tower and pinnacles,
contains 300 sittings, of which 120 are free. The living, a perpetual
curacy of the value of 107 pounds, having been endowed, and received a
parliamentary grant. The Rev Henry SMITH is the incumbent. A
handsome parsonage is to be erected near the church, at a cost of
1,000 pounds, of which sum 500 pounds is furnished by the
commissioners for building parsonage houses, and 200 pounds by the
society for the same purpose, the remainder raised by subscription.
A handsome Gothic school, with a house for the Master, has been
erected (through the exertions of E. RADFORD, Esq) by the incorporated
society for establishing schools, and opened in 1843. It is
principally supported by the children, who pay from 2d to 8d per week,
of whom about 60 attend, with occasionally small grants from the
society. The Methodists have a neat chapel.

(Back to the MENU)
The Manor of Tansley, which belonged to the Knights Templars, and
afterwards to the Hospitallers, is supposed to have been granted to
George or Francis, Earl of SHREWSBURY. William Earl of PEMBROKE, who
married one of the co-heiresses of Gilbert Earl of SHREWSBURY, sold it
to William Earl of NEWCASTLE, from whom it passed, with Bolsover and
other estates, to His Grace the Duke of PORTLAND.

From: A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, 7th
Edition, Vol 4, 1848, p.299
TANSLEY, a hamlet, in the parish of Crich, Union of Bakewell, Hundred
of Wirksworth, Southern Division of the County of Derby, 1 1/2 miles
east from Matlock; containing 549 inhabitants. A district church has
been erected, the living of which is a perpetual curacy in the gift of
the Vicar [of Duffield], with a net income of 100 pounds. There is a
place of worship for Wesleyans.

From: History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Derby, by
Francis White, 1857, p.256-7 (Crich Parish)(Back to the MENU)
TANSLEY, a township, chapelry, and scattered village in the parish of
Crich and in the Wirksworth Hundred, 1 1/2 miles east from Matlock, 5
miles north-north-east from Crich, in the Bakewell Union, contains
1,155 acres of land, 126 houses, and 593 inhabitants, of whom 306 were
males, and 287 females; rateable value 1,500 pounds. A cotton mill
was erected here at an early period, and here is now an extensive
smallware manufactory, and one for candlewicks. This place is noted
for the extensive and thriving nursery of Mr Joseph SMITH, and for a
superior grit stone for building purposes. The Duke of PORTLAND is
lord of the manor. Heathcote UNWIN, Esq, Edward RADFORD, Esq, and the
Rev John WOOLLEY, are owners; a district church was erected here in
1839, and opened for divine worship in 1840. It is a neat stone
structure with a tower and pinnacles, contains 300 sittings, of which
120 are free. The living, a perpetual curacy, of the value of 100
pounds, having been endowed, and received a parliamentary grant. The
vicar of Crich is the patron; and the Rev Melville HOMES is the
incumbent. A handsome parsonage was erected in 1847 near the church,
at a cost of 1,000 pounds, of which sum 500 pounds was furnished for
the commissioners for building parsonage houses, and 200 pounds by the
society for the same purpose, the remainder was raised by
subscription. A handsome Gothic National school, with a house for the
master, was erected (through the exertions of E. RADFORD, Esq) by the
incorporated society for establishing schools, and opened in 1843;
since which an Infant school has been added. The money for their
erection was raised by subscription, aided by grants from government
of 121 pounds. It is principally supported by the children, who pay
from 2d to 8d per week, of whom about 85 attend, with occasionally
small grants from the society. The Wesleyan Methodists have a neat
chapel here. The manor of Tansley, which belonged to the Knights
Templar, and afterwards to the Hospitallers, is supposed to have been
granted to George or Francis Earl of SHREWSBURY. William Earl of
PEMBROKE, who married one of the co-heiresses of Gilbert, Earl of
SHREWSBURY, sold to William Earl of NEWCASTLE, from whom it passed,
with Bolsover and other estates, to His grace the Duke of PORTLAND.

Taken from 'The Derbyshire Village Book' published by the Derbyshire
Federation of Women's Institutes & Countryside Books, 1991. ISBN 1 85306 133
6

TANSLEY
The village is situated on the edge of Tansley Moor, about one and a half
miles east of Matlock. In a hollow surrounded mainly by gritstone hills, its
westerly aspect is an open valley to Matlock.

The population today is about 1,300. Tansley has two churches, Methodist and
Anglican, three public houses, a primary school with about 100 pupils, the
village hall, situated alongside the village green, the youth club building,
and the last remaining village shop, the post office general store. There
are approximately 350 houses. There is a variety of industrial development,
mainly on the periphery of the village.

Industry came to Tansley in the latter part of the l8th century in the form
of a variety of mills and associated works, making use of the copious supply
of water, flowing down small valleys from the gritstone moors. The streams
were dammed to provide water storage and power for the mills. A map of the
`Township of Tansley' in 1840 shows ten dams. Several of them remain today
and provide the ideal habitat for water birds and a sporting ground for
anglers.

Two of Tansley's largest mills, down the old Coach Road, were built in 1783
for the manufacture of cotton tapes and shawls. Both buildings still stand,
one being used for storage and the other has recently been divided into
several factory units. Older residents of the village recall working in Mr
Scholes' tape mills, and of making khaki tape for `the soldiers' puttees' in
the First World War.

Perhaps the largest mill complex was that built in 1799, by Edward Radford
for bleaching, dyeing and mercerising, in the lower reaches of Lumsdale.
This is the only one of the textile mills which is still worked today.
Edward Radford was, in 1840, one of Tansley's chief landowners.
Nineteenth century Tansley was a self-sufficient village. Several grocers,
butchers, greengrocer, market gardener, blacksmiths, boot and shoemakers, a
tallow chandler, builder, joiner, plumber, cab proprietor, a yeast dealer
and several farmers, must have catered for most people's needs.
The parish church was built in 1839/40 on a site which commands such an
extensive view that one could imagine that it had been purposely left for
just such an important building. Prior to 1840, Tansley people walked the
five miles to Crich to attend church. It is interesting to note that the
church was extended only 30 years after completion, to accommodate visitors
staying at the hydropathy establishments on Matlock Bank. There were 300
seats, when the village population was little over 500!

The first place of worship for the Methodists in Tansley was the octagonal
building, now a house, next to the post office. It was reputedly the village
cockpit, before being converted to a chapel in 1811.

Tansley House was owned and managed by William Mycock, who had learned the
system of hydropathic treatment during his eleven years working at Smedley's
famous hydro in Matlock. On coming to Tansley he ran The Grove as Tansley's
first hydro, but by 1893 Tansley House was established and being advertised
in the most glowing terms. After the `hydros' faded from popularity, Tansley
House was a private residence for many years, but it has recently opened as
a residential home for the elderly.

Tansley is perhaps best known, to people outside the village, for its garden
centres and nurseries. James Smith & Son (Scotland) Nurseries at their
hill-top location off the A615, are the oldest established and proudly hold
the Royal Warrant. Down the hill towards the village, Matlock Garden and
Waterlife Centre is reached. Increased indoor shopping and restaurant
facilities have promoted an all-weather interest in both centres. Several
other smaller outlets, Lorna Cross Landscapes, Whitelea Nursery and Stan
Smith's, all add to the provision for any gardening enthusiast to enjoy `a
day out in Tansley'.